Manly have confirmed gun fullback Tom Trbojevic will miss the first two games of the season due to a hamstring injury.
Trbojevic sustained the issue in the Sea Eagles' trial loss to the Cronulla Sharks two weekends ago, pulling up lame after stepping off his left leg while returning a kick.
There were initial reports the incumbent NSW Blues flyer would be sidelined for the opening month of the premiership but Trbjoevic is ahead of schedule in his recovery.
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A statement from Manly read: "Trbojevic suffered a high grade one hamstring in the trial match against Cronulla Sutherland Sharks on February 23.
"He is looking at returning for Manly’s round three home match against the Warriors at Christchurch Stadium on March 30."
Tom Trbojevic limped off after left leg injury during innocuous run here. By video seems hamstring strain most concerning, though never like seeing a non contact mechanism of injury if knee involved. If hamstring confirmed would hope for low grade (2-4 weeks for grade 1) pic.twitter.com/dK3brWg29l
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) February 23, 2019
As well as Trbojevic, Sea Eagles props Taniela Paseka and Kelepi Tanginoa are also in the casualty ward after collecting knee injuries in the Sharks trial.
The bookends are expected to be fit for selection in round two.
Former Roosters, Knights and Titans player Brendan Elliot is the frontrunner to replace Trbojevic in the No.1 jersey for the beginning of the premiership.
Elliot started at fullback in Manly's final pre-season hit-out versus a second-rate Roosters side last Saturday and performed solidly in the 38-20 win.
Rookie Jade Anderson could also come into calculations.
The elusive Anderson played fullback for the Sea Eagles' feeder team Blacktown Workers in the Intrust Super Premiership last year and was a constant threat with ball in hand.
Regardless, Manly will no doubt feel the effects of Trbojevic's absence, given he was among the team's best each week in a subpar 2018 season.
He scored nine tries in 22 matches last year, laid on 14 try assists, made 14 line breaks and averaged a sensational 175 running metres per outing.
The local junior and his brother, lock forward Jake, have developed into the club's marquee players over the past few NRL campaigns.